Harry Maguire's redemption story is complete after he powered home the winner for Manchester United against Copenhagen.
The England defender was stripped of the captaincy in the summer and looked surplus to requirements at Old Trafford in the summer.
However, he chose to stay put and has eventually reaped the rewards after getting a sustained run back in the team due to injuries.
Advert
Maguire produced a brilliant Man of the Match performance against his former side Sheffield United on Saturday.
And he then went a step further by breaking the deadlock on what was looking like a frustrating Champions League night at Old Trafford.
The ex Leicester City produced a bullet header from a pinpoint cross supplied by substitute Christian Eriksen.
You could see how much it meant to Maguire, who has not had an easy time in the last year or so.
He celebrated with a knee slide right in front of the United fans who were sent into a frenzy.
A VAR check took place but ruled that Maguire had just been played onside from the cross by a mere shoulder in a tight call.
United were poor for large spells in the first half but stepped things up in the second and it was an unlikely source who came up with the goal that delivered a first Champions League win of the season and a third consecutive victory.
But there was a huge contribution from Andre Onana, another much-maligned player, as produced a superb penalty save to deny Jordan Larsson with the last kick of the game.
After his display at Bramall Lane, Erik ten Hag praised Maguire and said he is" playing like we want him to".
The Dutchman commented: "I have to say Harry is playing like we want him to play.
"Very proactive out of possession, dominating his opponent, stepping in when necessary, reading the game, good covering but also in possession very proactive, stepping in, delivering good passes and switching."
Next up for United is the small matter of the derby with rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Topics: Harry Maguire, Manchester United
Josh Lawless